Cons

Glass bottle, the fear of dropping it and breaking it always persists.

What They Claim

A Replenishing Elixir of Pure Essential Oils and Distilled Botanicals to visibly restore the appearance by morning.

A night time oil that visibly restores the appearance of skin. Restores and replenishes for smoother, healthier skin. Works at night, when skin is most receptive to repairing itself from daily aggressors. A blend of oils including, naturally-derived Lavender, Evening Primrose and Squalene. A customer favorite.

For dry hands:
Add a few drops to your hand cream and massage palms thoroughly, rubbing into cuticles and knuckles.

For dry skin on heels and elbows:
Mix 2-3 drops into your body cream before you apply for extra nourishment, especially during the winter months.

For a spa-like bathing experience:
Add several drops to your bathwater and enjoy the soothing lavender scent.

How To Use

Apply 2-3 drops of treatment on cleansed skin. Gently press fingertips to cheeks, forehead, and chin to evenly distribute the application before gently massaging it into the skin. Can wear alone or under moisturizer.

My Story

I was very excited to try this. It is what they say magic potion in a bottle. It is one of the best rated top ten Kiehl’s products. It has won many beauty awards. Okay, I will make this quick. That sample lasted me around 10 days and I immediately got back to the store to buy the full size bottle. It worked wonders for my combination skin. It was light unlike most oils. It was non-greasy and most importantly it didn’t break me out the next morning. You are only supposed to apply this like 2-3 drops, and your skin would just absorb it in no time. If you are on the drier side of your skin, you can also use a moisturiser or a night cream after this. During winters I do, for this is not enough during winters for my skin. It gave me a healthy glow the next morning. On continued usage, you will see the tan lines fading out faster than usual. The is the one product that I never skip in my night time routine. The bottled dropper packaging makes it a winner- read non-messy, but then its a glass bottle and I am always so scared that I might drop it and break this magic potion.

Price: Rs.3800 for 30ml

My Rating: 4/5

My Story:

It was a mid summer of 2015 and I was looking for a good anti-tan face pack at a newU store. Suddenly I came across this box package. I flipped it over read it’s details and decided to give it a try. That day and this day.. I religiously follow this step in my skincare routine every fortnight. I have had black head problem on my nose since like forever. I had tried all those DIY remedies available online, but nothing really worked for me. And then when I got my hands on these. Voilà! I have used innumerous sachets of these nose strips and they work just good for me. I have been repurchasing this and will continue to do so.

Available at: newU stores and newU website online.

Price: Rs. 225/- for a box of 6 sachets.

What they claim:

Pros

It’s quick and easy

Travel friendly

Does what it promises.. gets rid of black heads and white heads.

Does not get you any zits post the procedure.

Cons

It dries up the nose after you strip it off. You feel a slight itchy sensation.

My Rating: 4/5.

My Story : For the Love of Coconut. Be it the oil, water or milk.

Hello World. Sorry for vanishing away suddenly. I was out on a trip to South India. Mostly because of work but secondly and most importantly I wanted a break from my regular normal routine. I would update all of that in the blogs to follow and put up a link to that here too. But what brings me to review Coconut Oil today? Well in my growing years, when most of my family was obsessing over mustard oil and its benefits like a normal bong family, I hated mustard oil. Its strong smell burnt my eyes and nose. On the another side, coconut oil that we used for our hair seemed cooling, calming and alluring. I started using it even on my body. I have probably used all those variants of coconut oil that was available in the local stores in the 90s. From Nihar to Uttam, From Parachute to Shalimar.. I have used them oil. Shalimar was my favourite though until I grew up to realise it had wax and other chemicals that could be damaging in the long run. It was then that I bumped into Kama Ayurveda and their Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil in 2014. I had also used other organic coconut oils by then by a few other brands, but it wasn’t that satisfying. This product lived up to my love of the coconut oil. I have used more than 6 bottles of this, and is definitely a repurchase for me. P.S- Another reason I loved South India, Oh yes, I found more people like me. People who were equally obsessed about coconut oil 😀

Kama Ayurveda is famous for the fabulous oils they make. One among the many is Coconut Oil. And, because I am just back from Chennai while I type this, coconut oil has to be mentioned. Among that various health benefits of coconut oil, amazingly it also plays a vital role in our beauty. It nourishes and protects. As a kid, when the beauty business was not so booming and our mothers has very selective about the things they applied on their skin. There were two oils. We, Bengalis religiously followed two rules. Coconut oil for the hair and face. And Mustard oil for the body. Howsoever enough of my ranting. Here’s what they claim.

What They Claim:

Overview: A highly versatile oil that can be used to condition the skin and hair. An ideal moisturiser for the body, it makes the skin smooth and even textured. Applied directly to the skin or hair before washing, Coconut oil makes a very effective conditioning treatment. Soothing dry sensitive skin or scalp and adding lustre to damaged hair. Highly recommended for baby massages. This Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is 100% Organic, pure and cold pressed (processed without heat) to retain its unique balance of nutrients.

What to expect: A light, non-sticky and easily absorbed oil with a pure, tropical Coconut scent. May freeze in bottle due to unadulterated nature of the product. A light, non-sticky and easily absorbed oil with a pure, tropical Coconut scent. May freeze in bottle due to unadulterated nature of the product.

How to use: Warm a small amount in the hands and massage gently all over the face/body. Leave for 30 minutes, cleanse post treatment with a mild soap or body cleanser. For hair, simply apply to scalp and gently massage hair from root to tip. Leave for 20 minutes, cleanse post treatment with a mild hair cleanser and warm water. Can be used from head to toe, by all skin and hair types.

Ingredients: COCOS NUCIFERA OIL- Also known as Coconut oil, or Coconut Milk. Cocos Nucifera helps keep the skin soft and smooth. It also helps prevent premature ageing and wrinkling of the skin. It removes dandruff, helps in checking greying and falling of hair and makes the hair look lustrous. It is also known to heal stretch marks. It is mild, thus works well for sensitive skin.

Pros

Non-sticky and non-greasy unlike other oils.

100% Natural, Organic and Cold Pressed.

Fast absorbing.

Helps remove Tan.

Conditions damaged hair.

Evens Skin Tone.

Prolonged use could help one achieve smooth skin.

Can be used as a makeup remover

Can be used as a facial massage oil

Can be applied to damp hair (only 2drops) and it works better than any serum.

Pros:

Very cooling and refreshing.

Makes my face soft and supple.

Travel friendly spray bottle.

Preservatives free.

Fragrance free.

No artificial colourants.

Moderately priced.

Cons

I didn’t find any negative points. So this column will be empty today. ☺️But okay, some of my friends find it a bit pricey. I’ll overlook that aspect, for me its alright, for it’s made through the steam distillation process.

What They Claim:

A wonderful Rose water that is made from the roses of Kannauj – a region in North India, rich in white soil conductive to roses’ growth. The Kannauj rose is considered special due to its similarity to the Bulgarian rose. The steam distillation process used to create this water ensures a high level of hygiene and unmatched purity. Rose water is a natural astringent that balances and restores skin’s PH level, helps tighten pores and acts as the perfect alcohol-free toner for oily or acne-prone skin. Its light cleansing and clarifying action helps in removing cleanser residue while readying the skin for further skincare treatment. A refreshing spritz that can be used to refresh the skin at any time of the day. A clear, light and cooling water that can be sprayed directly on to skin. Leaves skin revived and hydrated without stickiness or residue.

Ingredients:

Pure Rose Water created from the steam distillation process.

My Story:

I am an experimental soul, my skin is my test ground. So, before i reached this, I have used a lot of rose waters from different brands. And, then one fine day Fabbag sent me Kama Ayurveda rose water in one of their monthly bags. I started using it. Unlike the others that I had used, this one was the most expensive one. I didn’t know, what made it this so expensive. And then I read, what they claimed. Their only ingredient was Rosa: A symbol of beauty, purity and freshness, Rosa, commonly known as Rose, has soothing, healing, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Rose cleanses, purifies, firms and tones the skin. It also treats dry and ageing skin. It gets rid of pigmentation, redness and swelling and is good for all kinds of skin tones. In the case of oily skin, it balances the oil content, and can be used for treating skin irritations and burns. Rose deals with inflammation of the scalp, strengthens dry hair, nourishes the scalp, moisturises hair roots, and promotes new hair growth. It also prevents outbreaks of skin problems like acne, pore block, blackheads, pimples, wrinkles and lines. It is used as an astringent to hydrate the skin, and to make it healthy, youthful, supple, fresh and glowing. Rose petals are a great way to relieve eye pain and headaches. I started using it regularly, that day and this day.. I didn’t switch my rosewater ever. I love the natural rose scent which vanishes the minute I pat my face. I use it as a toner in the morning CTM. I use it as a face mist whenever I have long days of work. I use it before I apply a mask. I have used 8 bottles of this and will always be a repurchase for me.

How to Use:

Apply on clean damp skin. Take a small quantity and massage well on the face and neck area for 10-15 minutes. Dab off the excess with a hot towel, followed by a facial scrub or cleanser. (In case of very dry skin, a scrub is not required.) Use chilled floral toner or splash cold water to tone and seal the skin.

My Story:

I read a lot about this product online. The internet is scattered with its reviews. Its also won some beauty awards the brand claims. What really attracted my attention was the list of base ingredients like cow’s milk, wild turmeric, saffron and organic beeswax. And if you read how they make it, you would want to try this atleast once in your life.

Source: Forest Essentials India

I decided to give it a shot. Its mainly recommended for dry skin. And because, winter makes my skin so dry that almost nothing that I apply overnight lasts till the next morning. I decided I opt for this, for this is super greasy. Although the label said otherwise, I decided to keep it overnight. And Voila! It worked Magic! I loved how my skin soaked all that up overnight. All I did, was applied a layer of it all over my face, massaged it for some 5 minutes, used a damp tissue to rub off the extra after 10 minutes. Slept with it. Got up to bright and younger looking skin even in the winters, washed my face with a deep cleansing face wash and sprayed rose water. It worked like magic. Real magic for my winter skin, which was usually dry and flaky before. This is my second tub, and definitely a repurchase for me.

How to Use:

It is best to use me on clean skin after using a toner. Apply me on your face and neck in gentle circular motions. Use me before applying makeup.

My Story:

I was looking for a good day cream and my friend suggested me this one. When it is not so winter that my skin is not flaking, and when it is not so summer that my skin is yet to become a oil pot. I needed a day cream that could heal my skin in the transition from winter dry to oily summer. My friend suggested me this one pot. Magic pot I would say. Fights the weather changes! It has SPF 15 is a bonus point, so when I am home and not out in the sun.. I needn’t apply a sunscreen. Added Vitamin C fights skin ageing. Its light, non-greasy texture and refreshing feeling will make you love this product. It absorbs into your skin totally so can be used before makeup too. It has too many natural ingredients to give this one a miss.. From chamomile, lavender, pomegranate, avocado, aloe, apple and citrus extracts. Its packed with goodness. With longer usage, it gives a healthy glow to your skin tone. Its easily available in almost all cosmetic stores. Its very moderately priced unlike all the expensive creams in the market. I have used almost one tub of this like you can see in the pictures, and is definitely a repurchase for me.

Cons:

Availability is a major issue.

Its only available online and select stores in Metro city.

What They Claim:

Source: Vichy’s Official Website

Product Concern: For men and women who want to soothe or refresh their skin, whatever their skin type. Recommended for sensitive skin.
Vichy Thermal Spa Water, naturally powerful: sourced from the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes, Vichy Thermal spa water is rich in 15 rare minerals, and is one of the most concentrated mineral waters in France
Indication: comforts and refreshes sensitive skin, soothes irritation due to dryness and completes a cleansing routine.
Efficacy: it has been declared a spring of public benefit since 1846 and recognised for its soothing and fortifying properties.
Sensitive Skin: tested on sensitive skin under dermatological control. Allergy tested. Preservative Free.
Pleasure: fine and refreshing mist.

Ingredients:

How to Use:

Source: Vichy’s Official Website

After spraying, leave it to work for a few moments then gently dry. Use at any time of the day or night.

My Story:

So, last december, i.e december 2015.. My all so oily facial skin suddenly starting flaking. And boom! It was so dry that no matter what I applied before bed time, the next morning I got up with dry, flaking, aching skin. Most of my skincare was targeted for oily skin, so I had to shut them all. I bought the skincare range that was recommended for dry skin. It broke me out on my T-zone, whereas my cheeks were dry, flaky and patchy.Then a friend recommended me buy thermal spring water. The first one I bought was Avene Thermal spring water. Howsoever, that didn’t work for me. So, one fine day I was scrolling through the offers at Nykaa.com, when I saw this offer on Vichy thermal spa water, which said buy one and get one free. I thought, I would try. I purchased. It was February 2016. My skin goes through weather change issues. From dry and flaky in winter to super oily in summers and super sensitive during the monsoons. And, I can vouch for this product. I have been using this for a year now. Its my must product. I use it after I wash my face in the morning. At times, when I am travelling I also use this as a hydrating mist on my face. My personal experiences claim, that this helps reduce acne. I have hormonal pimples at that time of the month, I use this mist it dries out the pimple. I have used three bottles as of now and is a definitely repurchase for me.

Back in 2011, I was on a 2 month long intensive trip. I had to complete most of North India. I followed no regular CTM then. I rarely used a sunscreen then. Mostly I washed my face only once before bedtime. I was super naive to believe oily skins don’t require a moisturiser. So, basically I was on a trip out of my comfort zone. To think about those days, scare me too.. don’t give me that weird look. Howsoever, it was the 16th day of my trip and one morning I got up to find my skin around my lips super dry, achy and flaking. It was a dry patch. To my horror, even boroline couldn’t cure it. I called my mom up, and she advised me to buy this product. Patanjali was not that famous a brand then. Shops were rare. I travelled 9kms to get this product. That day and this day.. I always have this product for sun burns, acne, dry skin troubles, oily skin acne, post waxing gel, post threading gel, hair mask, face mask and what not. I have used more than 20 of these tubes by now. I would rate this product a 5/5 if the ingredients were clearly mentioned in a more detailed manner.

How I Use This:

For Skin: I use this for various purposes.. moisturiser, as a face mask mixed up with other ingredients, to give more details I would have to write another blog post. I ‘ll keep it precise here and write another post on various ways to use this, and link it here. I also use this as a post treatment for waxing and threading.

For Hair: I use aloevera gel as a leave-in conditioner at times and also use it as a hair mask mixed up with castor oil.

Its a clear solution and not very sticky, acts as a wonder makeup base for me.

Silicone-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free.

Comes with a dropper packaging, very hygienic to use it and only two drops each day runs for almost two to three months.

Cons:

Glass bottle: I am always scared, I might break it.

Does not work well if you don’t use a moisturizer and a sunscreen along with it.

Highly Priced.

Availability is a major issue, Available only at Kiehl’s stores and Nykaa.com, our local cosmetic and skincare stores will not have this, so we end up buying this product on MRP.

What they claim:

A serum that diminishes the appearance of dark spots. Highly efficacious dark spot corrector is formulated to have a visible impact on a broad spectrum of dark spots. This clear and corrective formula visibly diminishes the number and intensity of dark spots and discolorations. With a potent, latest-generation clarifying complex of Activated C, White Birch and Peony Extracts, the formula penetrates skin’s surface to help correct the appearance of dark spots and unify skin tone. With daily, continuous use, skin is visibly brighter, more even and radiant with a visible improvement in clarity. Dermatologist tested for safety and gentleness. Tested on all skin types, including sensitive.

My Story:

So, back in March 2014.. I was affected by Chicken Pox which left me huge marks all over my face. I was done trying it all from medicated skin creams to coconut water. Nothing worked for me. And to add to my fate my skin had become super sensitive and prone to breakouts. Then a friend introduced me to Kiehl’s. I walked into their store to try my hands on it. They didn’t have sample sachets available for this product, unwillingly enough I purchased the whole size product, along with blue herbal moisturizer. It was only one week and I could feel the difference. My breakouts began to diminish in size, maybe because of the blue herbal moisturizer., but nothing really happened to the dark spots. I knew I was expecting results too soon. After about a month I noticed, the tan fading out, the spots lightening. But the Chicken pox spots were stubborn. It took me two bottles to fade that out. And not only that, the texture of my skin got so much better. Its loaded with amazing ingredients.

Just to name two of them, the activated Vitamin C protects our skin from daily sun damage and the Salicylic Acid helped me get rid of acne. Today, I swear by this product. Yes, I agree this is not the sole product I used to get rid of acne and dark spots, I followed a good CTM too. But My Rating for this Product is a total 4/5.